Bill > SB174

This bill requires healthcare providers to conduct specific medical screenings for pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy. During the first and third trimesters, healthcare providers must offer HIV and syphilis blood tests, and also test for chlamydia and gonorrhea at the first prenatal visit, with potential follow-up testing in the third trimester if deemed necessary. The bill mandates that patients must be informed about these tests and have the option to decline. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for healthcare providers to screen pregnant women for substance use disorder during the first trimester using a validated verbal screening tool approved by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If a woman is found to be at risk for substance use disorder, the healthcare provider must refer her for appropriate treatment. The bill also stipulates that these screenings must be considered medically necessary by health insurance providers and cannot be subject to prior authorization or additional utilization management requirements. The law defines healthcare providers broadly to include physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified midwives.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB174&sbi=y